DU Day 1: Fewer selfies, more suitcases as late admissions and staggered sessions mute the buzz

The first day of a new academic session at Delhi University is usually a carnival of fresh faces, bustling canteens, and parents snapping proud photos. But this year, the 2025-26 session opened on an unusually quiet note.

North Campus, typically humming with the energy of wide-eyed freshers, saw thinner crowds, shorter queues, and a distinctly calmer vibe.

Several reasons contributed to this subdued start. The most immediate cause was the late confirmation of admissions—many outstation students got their allotment letters just a day before classes began.


“The crowd appeared to be subdued primarily because of the staggered orientation schedule,” said Kirori Mal College (KMC) principal Dinesh Khattar. “Also, many outstation students received their admission confirmations late and may not have been able to plan their travel in advance. Plus, with the first day falling on a Friday ahead of the weekend, a lot of students are likely to join from Monday.”

Roses, hopes, and dreams

Despite the missing buzz, DU colleges did not skimp on the traditional warmth. Newcomers were greeted with roses, tika ceremonies, and smiles from faculty and seniors. Ramjas, Miranda House, SRCC and other North Campus colleges rolled out staggered orientations—an effort at better crowd management, but also an attempt to retain the personal touch.

Riya, a first-year student from Palwal, Haryana, was beaming. “I set my heart on SRCC for BCom (hons), but I am still thrilled to be in North Campus. Ramjas was my fourth preference, and getting in feels like a win.”

Manya, another fresher, was already plotting her DU journey. “This was my sixth preference, but I am happy. I want to work in the corporate sector, and DU is the first step in that direction. I am also planning to join the commerce and drama societies—I have heard great things about them.”

For many, a day of quiet pride

Outside the college gates, parents stood patiently with luggage, having come straight from railway stations and bus stands—many too emotional to speak, but visibly proud. At Miranda House, large outdoor screens were set up to allow families to follow the orientation sessions from outside, since they weren’t permitted on campus.

Prachi, standing quietly outside Miranda House with a crutch in hand, radiated confidence. “Disability does not define me,” she said. Having secured admission under the persons with disabilities category, she called her entry into Miranda her dream come true. “Some people see it as a barrier, but I have always chosen to see it as just one part of my story.”

Miranda House had seven separate venues to conduct orientation sessions, part of DU’s new staggered approach. At Ramjas and KMC, departmental introductions happened on Friday, while general orientation events are scheduled for Monday and Saturday.

Big numbers, but some still waiting

According to Delhi University, 71,366 undergraduate admissions were confirmed by 6 pm on August 1 under the second round of seat allotments. Notably, 136 orphaned candidates and 942 single girl children were among the confirmed list—groups given priority under DU’s inclusive policies.

Of these, 31,046 students chose to freeze their seats, while 36,663 opted for an upgrade, hoping for a higher-preference seat in the next round. Responding to technical issues and payment delays, the university extended the fee payment deadline till 11:59 pm on August 1.

DU has also announced the schedule for Round 3, including a mid-entry window—an opportunity for those who didn’t register earlier to enter the admission race.

(With inputs from ToI)